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~viargaret tsro wn xeport, i - i ~-y~ <br />page 3 <br />~~?'.~ <br />The actual origin of bacteriological contamination in individual wells is difficult to identify in most ` <br />situations. Poor well construction or contamination localized to the immediate area of the well are the -~ <br />causes we see in the majority of evaluations we conduct. I don't know of any bacteriological <br />contamination problem in a well in Orange County attributable to a source more than a thousand feet <br />away from the well head. <br />COMPARISON SAMPLES <br />In order to compare the landfill area samples with other samples in the County, three inorganic chemical <br />samples results (the first one in the month, the last one, and the one nearest the middle) from each month <br />in 1997 were chosen. Fortunately, all but one of these included a bacteriological sample also. I don't <br />know the statistical validity of this sampling, but it does give some comparison and relativity in the <br />matter. <br />If you refer to the attached chart of key factors in the comparison of all the sample results, you will see <br />that results from the landfill azea are not significantly different from the other County samples. It is <br />interesting to note that the average iron levels in all the areas exceed the EPA Secondary Maximum <br />Contaminant Level of .3 PPM. <br />SUMMARY <br />While there is no doubt or lack of evidence that VOCs, bacteriological contamination and other <br />inorganic contaminants in groundwater can pose immediate health risks and increased health risks over <br />time, there is, with the exception of the Kirschner well, no indication that residents in the proximity of <br />the landfill are exposed to any more environmental risk from the groundwater than other residents in the <br />Orange County. This conclusion is strictly based on the results of our staffs sampling, consultations <br />with State representatives and staff research efforts, though we will certainly welcome and entertain any <br />other information or sampling results in the matter. Furthermore, we have always and will continue to <br />work with any County resident on problems they may have with their individual well, whether it be a risk <br />or nuisance. <br />Please let me know if you have questions or comments about this report. <br />